Weather Stream Awarded ONR Contract to Advance SPECTRUM for Environmental Remote Sensing
Boulder, Colorado – Weather Stream, a leader in atmospheric observation data and microwave sounder technology, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $2 million Phase 2 SBIR contract from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to further develop SPECTRUM, a multi-model platform for environmental remote sensing.
SPECTRUM enables rapid development of environmental algorithms from remote sensing data, supporting a wide range of applications including weather forecasting, atmospheric monitoring, and severe storm and hydrometeor detection. With rapidly growing sources of environmental remote sensing data from numerous sensor types, SPECTRUM is designed to streamline algorithm development for Radiative Transfer Models and enhance efficiency in utilizing this information.
An Accelerator for Remote Sensing Development
Unlike traditional approaches that require extensive time and expertise to set up models and retrievals, SPECTRUM simplifies the process by offering multiple models in an easy-to-use framework. This allows scientists and researchers to focus on retrievals rather than spending excessive time configuring software and models. By reducing setup complexity and automating key processes, SPECTRUM not only accelerates research but also optimizes resource allocation, saving both time and financial resources.
“With remote sensing data expanding rapidly, developing new algorithms efficiently is essential,” said Dr. Kevin Schaefer, Senior Scientist at Weather Stream and Principal Investigator for the SPECTRUM program. “SPECTRUM is designed to remove technical barriers, making it easier to develop and test new environmental algorithms across a broad continuum of applications.”
Applications and Impact
SPECTRUM provides data solutions for various meteorology challenges, including:
Severe convective storm detection, hydrometeor detection, and snow on ice monitoring
Improving forecasting for naval and commercial maritime operations
Development of new instrument design and data products
By identifying key signals in existing data sets or designing new instruments to detect them, SPECTRUM helps improve forecasting accuracy and enhance environmental monitoring capabilities.
From Development to Operations
While SPECTRUM is currently a development tool, its long-term potential includes transitioning successful algorithms into operational use. The Navy is particularly interested in how SPECTRUM can be utilized for cutting edge meteorological use cases while reducing costs.
“Our approach has already produced unexpected insights,” Dr. Schaefer added. “For instance, we found that there are times when the most informative spectral channels weren’t the ones traditionally assumed. This ability to isolate signals with precision makes SPECTRUM a powerful tool for algorithm refinement.”
As SPECTRUM continues to evolve, Weather Stream is committed to expanding its capabilities, from processing passive microwave to ultraviolet remote sensing data, ensuring that researchers and industry partners have the most advanced tools at their disposal.
About the Office of Naval Research
The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 55 countries, 634 institutions of higher learning and nonprofit institutions, and more than 960 industry partners. ONR, through its commands, including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., employs more than 3,800 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel.
About Weather Stream
Weather Stream is pioneering commercial satellite meteorology and is a leading provider of atmospheric observation and meteorology technology solutions. With a focus on passive microwave technology innovation, Weather Stream develops advanced instruments and systems that deliver critical data for weather forecasting, research, and environmental monitoring. Our mission is to provide the payloads and data needed to empower scientists, governments, and businesses to make informed decisions that protect the planet and improve quality of life.
For more information about Weather Stream or our range of weather data solutions please contact:
Adam Nowlin
Chief Revenue Officer
[email protected]
To receive updates on development and gaining access to SPECTRUM, as well as other developments at Weather Stream, please fill out the form below:
